Securing and Navigating Research Conferences

What to expect at a conference

1. Networking: At conferences, you'll meet peers, faculty, and professionals who share your interests and can help guide your academic path. Take this opportunity to introduce yourself to people whose work inspires you, as these conversations can lead to insightful discussions or even future opportunities.
2. Traveling: Conferences can allow you to travel to new and exciting locations. Be sure to plan ahead to organize travel logistics and housing. Oftentimes, the organization that hosts the conference will provide "travel awards" for students. These can usually be found on their webpage.
3. Cool merch: One of my favorite things about conferences is the opportunity to collect cool merchandise. Academic institutions and organizations often have booths with giveaways, such as stickers, tote bags, pens, and water bottles.
4. Student presentation awards: Many conferences offer student presentation awards for exceptional talks or posters. If you present, you will have the opportunity to be evaluated and win one of these awards – a great addition to your resume.

How to find a conference and secure funding

Finding a conference to present at can be tedious work, depending on the discipline. Here are some reliable ways that I have found to find an opportunity:

1. Talk to your professor/research mentor: Faculty often present their research at conferences and usually have a few favorites that they attend. Be sure to ask for their input!
2. Check out professional societies and organizations: Most academic disciplines have societies/organizations that host annual events. These also often provide students with discounts and/or scholarships (This is where I have found most of my opportunities).
3. Oberlin College Research Symposium: If you are not looking to travel for your conference experience, consider participating in one of Oberlin's many symposiums. These are typically held at the end of the Summer, Winter Term, and Spring Semester.
4. Search Online databases: There are several websites that have compiled lists of upcoming conferences. NOTE: I am typically wary of these due to a large number of scams and predatory meetings. So if you use these, be sure to triple-check the authenticity of the event.

How to secure funding 

Attending a conference, whether national or international, does not have to be an expensive undertaking. To date, I have not had to pay out of pocket for any of my conference experiences. Here's why:

1. The Office of Undergraduate Research Conference Funding: OUR is able to provide an award of up to $300 to support students who plan to attend a conference. Applications are due on the 15th of every month. Learn more here!
2. Dean's Office Student Conference Funding: Students can apply for travel funding through the Dean's Office. These funds can cover up to half of their total travel costs, up to $500. These funds are particularly for students who completed research through Oberlin (external research is not applicable). Learn more here!
3. Robert Rich Research Award: This award provides students in the natural sciences with up to $ 2,200 for their research projects. The funds can be used for expenses associated with research, including conference travel and other related costs. There are two deadlines for this award during the academic year, one in the fall and another in the Spring.
4. Jerome Davis Research Fund: This award provides up to $1,000 to honors students in the social sciences who are working on community-based projects. These funds can be used towards research related expenses including conference travel. Applications for this award are usually in the fall. Learn more here!
5. Lab/Department Funds: Many labs and departments at Oberlin have funds specifically available for conference travel. Be sure to ask your advisor if there is a possibility of their sponsoring your participation.
6. Student Travel Awards: Many conferences offer reduced registration fees and even full travel grants for students. These can usually be found on their websites under headings like "support", "funding", "scholarships", "grants", "attend", etc.

How to survive a conference

In my experience, conferences can be an overwhelming experience, regardless of whether you are presenting or not. Here are some tips to make the most of your conference experience:

1. Plan your schedule: Review the conference program in advance to identify the sessions you don't want to miss. Many talks run simultaneously, so prioritize!
2. Be open: If possible, try attending a session that falls slightly outside your area of study. You may find some unexpected inspiration.
3. Attend the professional development sessions: If there is an opportunity to participate in professional development sessions, seize it! These can provide quintessential skill-building opportunities related to academic writing, networking, grad school guidance, and more!
4. Pace yourself: Try not to jam-pack your schedule. Allow yourself to take breaks in between talks!
5. Look at the Job Board!: Many conferences have a bulletin board or virtual platform for posting opportunities for jobs, internships, or assistantships. If you're seeking summer research or post-graduation positions, take a look! 

Resources

COME TO RESEARCH AMBASSADOR OFFICE HOURS: Our job is to help students with anything related to research. Whether it be deciding if it is right for you or helping you find opportunities, WE ARE HERE FOR YOU!!!!

We can assist you with:

• Finding a conference
• Finding funding
• Writing an abstract (necessary for the application)

Sign up for an appointment with Nyrobi on WCOnline.